A Noble Excuse

Pablo raised an eyebrow, his tone suddenly laced with sarcasm. “You want me to go over to her and get down on my knees for you? Maybe come up with a noble excuse for why you acted like a complete jerk?”

Romero’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. “Don’t be ridiculous.”

“I’m being serious,” Pablo said, folding his arms. “Because from the look of it, you’re too damn proud to do it yourself.”

Romero’s jaw tensed. “I don’t need anyone begging for me.”

Pablo gave a short, dry laugh. “You do need someone to knock that pride out of your thick skull. You think this is about ego? About saving face? You nearly died yesterday, and she wasn’t there, Romero.”

Romero’s voice dropped, low and cutting. “Do you think I don’t know that?”

Pablo didn’t flinch. “If you know that, then why the hell are you hesitating to bring her back?”

Romero’s fists clenched at his sides, his temper barely held in check. “It’s not that simple.”